Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Classic comfort food made with tender minced lamb, hearty vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping, perfect for using up leftovers from your lamb roast. This delicious, savory pie is an excellent choice for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
Recipe Category: Savory Pies
Cuisine: Australian
Keywords: lamb, sheep, vegetable, meat, kid-friendly, potluck, savory, oven, comfort food
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (for mashing) | 1 large |
| Butter (for mash) | 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Butter (for sautéing) | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried mixed herbs | 1 teaspoon |
| Carrot, peeled and diced | 1 medium |
| Ground lamb (or minced lamb) | 1 cup |
| Frozen peas | 1/2 cup |
| Beef gravy (or beef stock) | 1 cup |
| Egg yolk (optional, for mash) | 1 large |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 369.4 kcal |
| Fat | 13.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 79.9 mg |
| Sodium | 313.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 54.9 g |
| Fiber | 7.5 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Protein | 8.8 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Potatoes:
Begin by peeling and cutting the potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot of boiling salted water and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. -
Mash the Potatoes:
Add 2 tablespoons of butter, 1/4 cup of milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the cooked potatoes. Mash them until smooth and creamy. For a richer flavor, you can beat in the egg yolk, but this step is optional. -
Sauté the Onion:
In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and golden brown. -
Make the Gravy:
Stir in the 2 tablespoons of flour with the onions, cooking for an additional 2 minutes while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Gradually pour in the beef gravy (or stock), whisking continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and dried mixed herbs. -
Cook the Vegetables and Meat:
Add the diced carrot, ground lamb, and frozen peas into the gravy mixture. Stir everything together and cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to fully cook. If using leftover lamb, make sure the lamb is heated through and combined with the vegetables. -
Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the lamb and vegetable mixture into a 2-liter (or 2-quart) casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Top the mixture with the mashed potatoes, smoothing them with a spatula. Use a fork to roughen up the surface of the mashed potatoes – this helps them crisp up during baking. -
Bake:
Place the assembled shepherd’s pie in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges. -
Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the shepherd’s pie rest for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of this classic dish.
Pro Tips:
- For a smoother mash: If you prefer ultra-smooth mashed potatoes, you can use a potato ricer or food mill instead of a regular masher.
- Flavor variation: Experiment with different herbs and spices in the gravy. A pinch of rosemary or thyme can enhance the flavor of the lamb.
- Cottage Pie: Remember, the term “Cottage Pie” is typically used when the dish is made with ground beef, whereas “Shepherd’s Pie” uses lamb. The recipe above uses lamb for an authentic Shepherd’s Pie.
- Freezing: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for up to 3 months. Simply assemble the pie, let it cool, and cover tightly before freezing. Bake from frozen, increasing the baking time slightly.
Rating: 4.5/5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By: Home cooks who love a hearty, family-friendly meal.
This Shepherd’s Pie recipe makes an excellent use of leftovers from your lamb roast, transforming them into a warming and satisfying dish that will be loved by everyone at the table. Enjoy this comforting pie with your family for a taste of home!
